Push the boundaries of science in the quest for limitless clean energy
Year of entry: 2022 (September)
Research into fusion is entering an exciting new era, with several large facilities aiming to achieve the crucial milestone of net energy gain.
To create sustained fusion reactions, fusion fuel must be heated to 100 million degrees. The fuel is rapidly converted to plasma, which is extremely difficult to confine and control. New international facilities using high-energy lasers and superconducting magnets are crucial steps on the way to reliable fusion energy, but there are still many challenges to overcome.
This MSc will prepare you to address these challenges. You will be introduced to the skills in computational and experimental plasma physics, and conduct cutting-edge research under the guidance of physicists at the York Plasma Institute.
You'll have unrivalled opportunities to interact with world-class international fusion scientists, making the MSc in Fusion Energy an excellent way to explore your interest in fusion and prepare for a career in this field.
The Department of Physics is the proud holder of an Athena SWAN Silver Award and an IOP Juno Champion award, recognising of our commitment to gender equality.
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Studying under many of the UK's top fusion scientists, as well as eating lunch and chatting freely with them, was exceptionally beneficial for my knowledge. The lectures were incredible, with each course designed to provide you with the most up-to-date fusion physics and engineering, including a particular emphasis on data analysis and computational modelling.Hamish, MSc Fusion Energy
Learn from internationally renowned researchers pushing the boundaries of knowledge in fusion energy
Access to state-of-the-art data analysis techniques and equipment, in purpose-built teaching, research and laboratory spaces
Conduct novel research under the supervision of our world-class researchers, with potential for collaboration with external organisations
We're proud to announce that we've been shortlisted for two prestigious University of the Year awards.
You'll take a number of core lecture courses, supplemented by laboratory work designed to develop your computational and experimental skills. You can choose from a range of option modules to focus your learning on topics you wish to pursue further.
You will explore the many exciting areas of modern plasma research, for example: medical therapies utilising plasma jets and beams of laser-generated ions; plasmas as compact particle accelerators and next-generation plasma space propulsion systems.
The MSc culminates in a major research project where, under the supervision of world-leading physicists at the York Plasma Institute, you will conduct cutting-edge research in fusion.
You will take core modules, which may include:
You will take a selection of option modules, examples of which may include:
(Some combinations of option modules may not be possible.)
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
Our course structures are changing in September 2023. Find out more about how this course may be affected.
Your final project is an open-ended investigation which you'll design, carry out and report on independently. The project will provide an opportunity for creativity and original thought, and will give access to cutting-edge fusion research.
Each project has a specific staff supervisor who will give advice and assistance as needed at regular supervisory meetings. Available projects will vary from year to year, to reflect the interests of our researchers. Recent projects have included:
It is likely that some projects will be based at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (for example, using the MAST tokamak) or the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire.
There is also potential to undertake a project with industry.
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
What attracted me most to my particular project was the opportunity to do some real hands-on science - that, and actually being able to generate a visible plasma!Michael, MSc Fusion Energy
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £10,800 | £24,500 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£5,400 | £12,250 |
Students on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa) are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. Fees for subsequent years are subject to increase (no more than 2% each year).
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2022/23 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
You will be taught with a combination of lectures, problem classes, and computational and experimental lab sessions. You'll also attend two week-long intensive workshops featuring experts from outside the University, which will develop your wider understanding of fusion energy and provide opportunities to connect with leading researchers.
Most of your teaching will take place in the Department of Physics and York Plasma Institute on Campus West. The majority of departments, colleges and facilities are based nearby.
Some research projects are based off-site, for example at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You will be assessed with a mixture of closed- and open-book exams, essays and evaluation of your laboratory work.
The grade for your research project is based on your project notebook and final report. You'll also sit a viva on your final report: an oral exam which is excellent preparation for a research degree.
York Plasma Institute has great facilities, and offers very high-quality teaching and a greatly interactive environment where MSc students can discuss with PhD students and the academic staff.July, MSc Fusion Energy
We provide bespoke careers sessions throughout the year to help you maximise your full potential in whatever career you choose.
Many of our students are offered PhD positions following the MSc, in both fusion energy and other subject areas. They go on to doctoral studies at York, Oxford, Imperial, Strathclyde, Durham and Liverpool, among others. Other students go straight into industry, both within fusion, and in a wide array of areas outside of fusion.
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in Physics or a related discipline |
| International pre-masters programme | Pre-masters from our International Pathway College |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each component |
| C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | 169, minimum 162 in each component |
| Duolingo | 100, minimum 90 in all other components |
| LanguageCert | B2 Communicator High Pass with 33/50 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 55, minimum 51 in each component |
| TOEFL | 79, minimum of 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing |
| Trinity ISE III | Pass in all components |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
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